A grow tent has a wide range of electrical components, such as grow lights, fans, timers, temperature and humidity controllers, etc. These devices may overheat from long-term continuous operation or insufficient ventilation. It may lead to damage or fire hazards if not properly managed. 

Have you ever wondered how to make a grow tent fireproof? New gardeners are more concerned about it due to limited experience. In this article, you will learn the right way to protect your grow tent from fire hazardous issues. Let’s dive in! 

How To Make A Grow Tent Fireproof? 

It is important to know how to make a grow tent explosion-proof or fireproof to ensure optimal safety for your grow room and the surrounding area. 

The following are crucial things you can do to reduce the likelihood of catching fire as much as possible. 

01. Set Up Class C Automatic Fire Extinguisher Balls

Automatic Fire Extinguisher Balls can extinguish fires quickly and efficiently. Their extinguishing chemicals will disperse automatically within 3-5 seconds.

Their coverage ranges from 12 to 24 square feet in 360° depending on the ball size. Choosing larger Class C automatic fire extinguisher balls is necessary if your grow tent size is larger than average. 

Their free average maintenance life is around 4-5 years. You don’t need to be an expert to set up fire extinguisher balls. But make sure it is placed 10 – 30 cm above the place. Keep it safely in one corner of your grow tent. 

02. Install A Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

If you want extreme fire-hazardous protection linked with electrical equipment, a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI comes in handy. This residual-current circuit breaker will automatically shut off electric power if there are any ground faults or leakage currents.

If you are growing hydroponic plants inside your grow tent, installing a ground GFCI is a must. After all, these plants need more water than regular plants. 

GFCI strips and outlets are the two best choices for grow tents. Gardeners who want simple and fast installation can choose GFCI power stripes

Of course, you want to choose a compatible GFCI device for all the electrical equipment inside the grow room. If you want to use a single GFCI for all the equipment, it must have 15 amperes or more capacity.

03. Appropriate Cable Insulation

Insulating the electric cables and wires connected to the equipment inside the grow tent is necessary to resist electrical leakage. It will ensure enhanced safety and provide greater protection against environmental threats, like heat, water, etc.

You can use a Silicone-based heat insulation cable tunnel. This type of insulation material is highly flame-retardant and heat-resistant. They can withstand up to +180° Celsius. 

Enter all the wiring inside the tunnel and install them in one corner of the grow tent where there is minimal chance of touching the water.

04. A Well Distribution Of Power Output 

Overloading an electrical system inside a grow room with too much electricity causes faster overheating issues, which may lead to a fire. It is a good rule of thumb to use several power outlets for the entire electrical system.

Multiple power outlets will ensure a balanced distribution of power among grow lights, fans, timers, temperature and humidity controllers, power strips, and other devices. 

A gardener should maintain 10 amps of electricity for every 100 square feet of growing area. Each power outlet should have 15 to 20 amps to accommodate the electrical load of various devices safely.

05. Set Up A Climate Control Monitoring System

A climate control monitoring system ensures optimal environmental conditions for plant growth by regulating temperature, humidity, and other factors, maximizing plant health and yield in the grow tent.

If the climate control system is online-based, it is more convenient. You can continuously track the current growing conditions inside the grow room.

Of course, installing a climate control monitoring system is expensive. But it is worth the money to save people and houses near the grow tent.  

06. Install Smoke Detectors

Grow tents contain grow lights, electrical wires, and water. They may sometimes lead to fire hazardous issues. One of the best solutions is using a smoke detector. 

This device will alarm if there is any presence of smoke. You can rush into the grow room and put out the fire soonest.  Install a cheap battery-powered smoke detector for added safety. 

07. Use Aerosol Extinguishers

Aerosol extinguishers are effective for smaller fires. They look like an air freshener. You can spray them for up to 30 seconds. They generally work for smaller areas in indoor places or enclosed spaces.

They contain solid fire extinguishing agents along with very fine solid particles and gaseous to stop the combustion reaction, cool down the burning material, and smoothen the flames.

08. Invest In High-Quality Grow Lights

Gardeners use a wide range of grow lights for grow tents, such as Fluorescent, LED, CMH, HID, etc. It is always best to invest in high-quality grow lights. 

Of course, they are more expensive than regular options. But your plants will benefit in the long run. Most importantly, they are safer than cheaper options. 

Make sure the grow lights match with the fixture. It should not overload the outlets. Buy them from an authentic source with several years of guarantee. This will ensure the proper reliability of the product.

09. Set up top-quality grow tents

Before knowing how to make a grow tent explosion proof, it is important to setup your grow tent with high-quality materials. Cheaper grow tents won’t be as long-lasting as premium ones. 

You may save a few bucks by buying cheaper ones. However, they are prone to fire hazard issues due to low-quality materials.  

Are Grow Tents A Fire Hazard? 

Grow rooms are not generally fire hazards if you set up high-quality electrical machinery and wiring. Of course, you want to install them correctly. 

Another important thing to remember is to keep the grow tent super clean. There should not be any flammable objects inside the grow room. 

You want to install high-quality and safe grow lights. Make sure water doesn’t come contact into with any electrical equipment. 

If you take care of your grow tent regularly and cautiously, it won’t become a fire hazard spot. Taking important steps for presentation is also important. 

How To Extinguish A Grow Tent Fire?

What you will do if you see fire inside your grow tent? 

According to Florida Atlantic University, electrical equipment, appliances, and wiring fall under the CLASS C fire category.

Say A Big NO To Water!

Most people prefer using water for various fire situations as it is easily available. 

But using water to extinguish a grow tent fire can cause electrical shock. 

It will worsen the fire by spreading flammable materials, and pose a risk of electrocution due to live electrical components.

Shut Down The Electrical Supply First 

The first and most important thing is shutting off the main electrical supply connected to your grow room when your grow tent is on fire. 

Disconnect all electrical equipment that is connected to the grow room. It will interrupt the circuit and reduce the fire damage.  

You must perform this action before trying to stop the fire or using any fire extinguisher. 

If you can’t turn it off due to excessive fire, shut off the main electrical supply of your house. 

Use Class C Fire Extinguisher

Class C fire extinguishers are mainly used for electrical equipment, appliances, wiring circuit breakers, and outlets. It is mainly a dry powder extinguisher that will cool down the energized electrical fires and flames until it stops burning anymore.

Make sure to keep 2-3 Class C fire extinguishers near your grow room to use them during emergency situations. 

Put more priority on heaters and grow lights inside the grow tent when using Class C fire extinguishers as they overheat faster. Then, focus on the outside electrical components and devices. 

Baking Soda As An Alternative  

If you don’t have any Class C fire extinguishers, use baking soda as an alternative. When you throw a handful of baking soda, it will cause a mild saponification effect on the high heat of the fire.

This action acid has chemical properties that will smoothen fires by releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas upon decomposition.

Use A Heavy Blanket

Another alternative option can be heavy blankets if the fire is on outside the grow tent. Gardeners often install timers, power strips, electrical outlets, temperature and humidity controllers, lighting control systems, etc. outside the grow room.

You can use a heavy blank to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire by isolating the flame and decreasing the increased temperature of the fire.

What Are The Common Reasons For Catching Fire On Grow Tents?

Electricity is the primary reason for catching fire inside or outside grow rooms. But it can occur for some other reasons too.

Before knowing how to make a grow tent fireproof, you must learn the common causes of catching fire in grow rooms.

Overloaded Circuits

A grow tent has various types of electrical components.  They may have overloaded circuits if several plug adapters are used on a single circuit or too many devices on a single outlet. It may also happen from using too many extension cords. 

This will place too much current or electricity on the circuit and generate excessive heat. The insulation around the wiring will start melting and turn on the fire.

Too Old Electrical Equipment 

Regardless of how good electrical equipment are, they won’t last for a lifetime. It is best to replace them once they pass their expiration date. 

These electrical equipment may have faulty electrical outlets and worn-out internal components. Using outdated appliances for an extended period leads to overheating and ignition.

Overheating

How long do you continuously operate the grow tent lights? How many plants are inside the grow room? What is the size of your grow tent? Are there any additional are there exhaust fans or extractor fans inside the grow room?

It is necessary to leave the grow lights for at least 8 to 10 hours a day. In some cases, you may need to run them for up to 16 years. This may compromise ventilation and lead to overheating issues. 

Electricity and Water Contact

It is common for water to touch electrical equipment and wiring inside a grow tent while watering plants. Being cautious is necessary. Otherwise, it can cause electrical shock, short circuits, and potential fires.

Besides, watering the grow tent plants may result in condensation. It is likely to lead to corrosion, electrical malfunctions, and safety hazards.

Structural Modifications

Grow tents are readily available. You just buy them and install them based on the instructions. 

But when you modify them depending on your personal needs, it may compromise safety issues. It may sometimes lead to fire hazard issues. Taking an expert’s suggestion is a must if you want to modify the original structure of the grow tent. 

Electrical Mismanagement 

Did you correctly install your grow tent based on the manufacturer’s instructions? Electrical mismanagement is another major issue for catching fire inside grow rooms. 

If all the electrical equipment inside the grow tent is poorly wired, it may lead to fire hazards resulting in significant damage. This will endanger both the plants and individuals.

What To Do If Your Grow Tent Catches Fire?

Even after being cautious, your grow room may catch fire accidentally. The following things you should do if your grow tent catches fire:

01. Keep Calm. 

The first important thing is staying calm when you face any challenging situations. Avoid being nervous. Don’t panic. It will help you remain focused and ready to respond. 

02. Identify The Fire Source.

Your next job is figuring out the fire source. Estimate the fire intensity and whether a small course of action is enough to stop the fire.

03. Shut Down The Power.

Whether the fire is small or large, it is best to shut off the main electrical switch connected to the grow tent. If you can’t do it, turn off the primary electrical supply line of your household. 

04. Put Out Fire With An Extinguisher.

Next, use an extinguisher to extinguish the fire as much as possible. If the fire breaks out extensively, call the fire department as early as possible to stop any additional issues. Keep your family members and pets away from the fire zone.

05. Fix The Cause Of Fire. 

Once the situation is handled appropriately, find out the root cause of the fire. If you can’t determine it, call for an expert. Fix the cause of the fire to avoid happening it the next time. 

How To Keep A Grow Tent Safe?

You have already learned how to make a grow tent fireproof. But it is also necessary to know the right way to ensure optimal safety for a grow room. 

Keep The Wiring Organized

It is necessary to keep all the wiring and cables organized. They must be off the ground. Otherwise, trip and fall accidents may occur from tangled cables. 

Plus, you may hurt yourself while working inside the grow tent. The plants inside the grow room may get damaged. 

You can use cable ties or duct tape to maintain a neat and organized setup. Attach the wire either to the wall or floor based on the requirements. 

Regularly Check The Electrical Equipment Functionality 

Regardless of how good electrical equipment are, they won’t last for a lifetime. Their performance will degrade over time. 

If it is not working appropriately, replace the unit. Also, regularly cleaning the electrical machinery is essential. Plus, you want to run a regular safety check to ensure smooth functionality.  

Use The Right Equipment

Just because alternative options are cheaper doesn’t mean you will use them to save money. You may have to pay a heavy price in the long run. 

Hence, it is always best to use the best-suited machinery and tools to ensure optimal safety and long-term reliability.  

For instance, regular timers may do the simple jobs. But they are not as efficient, safe, and reliable as heavy-duty timers. 

Maintain Adequate Distance Between Water And Equipment 

Did you install any water reservoirs inside the grow tent? Keeping all the electrical machinery and tools above the waist height is necessary to avoid any contact between the equipment and water. 

Plus, set up the water equipment below the waist height. This will help you maintain a safe distance even if the water spills on the grow tent floor. It will prevent unwanted fire-hazardous issues. 

Wrapping Up 

A conscious gardener will do everything to keep all the growing tent plants healthy and safe. Grow rooms have a wide range of electrical equipment and wires. You have to treat it the same way you treat your house. Most importantly, grow tents are more prone to catching fire as they often overheat from continuous operation. 

If you are not an expert or don’t have sufficient electrical knowledge, hire a professional to set up all electrical equipment inside your grow tent. Make sure to take suggestions before making risky decisions. Hopefully, the above article has given a clear idea of how to make a grow tent fireproof.